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Big 12 baseball: Fans weigh in on the Big 12 Tournament's future in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City’s attendance has slipped in recent years, but the Big 12 already has indicated attendance isn’t an end-all, be-all variable, and fans and teams appreciate OKC’s ballpark and downtown layout.

By Mike Baldwin •
Published: May 24, 2014

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The Big 12 baseball tournament next season moves to ONEOK Field in Tulsa. The following year it returns to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

If Tulsa fares well as host, Oklahoma City might be in danger of losing the annual postseason baseball tournament to its Turner Turnpike neighbor even though OKC has hosted Big Eight/Big 12 baseball for 29 of the last 31 years.

“Tulsa has been aggressive in its desire to host a Big 12 Championship,” said Big 12 associate commissioner Bob Burda. “This will be an opportunity to show what they can do, knowing there’s a very high bar that’s been established by Oklahoma City.”

Jack Thompson works in investment banking. He got hooked when the Big Eight tournament was held at All Sports Stadium and has been attending regularly for the past 25 years.

Thompson, 58, attended one of the two tournaments in Arlington, Texas, a decade ago but doesn’t plan to drive to Tulsa next year.

“I’d hate to see it move permanently but I could see why the Big 12 would look at all possible options,” Thompson said. “I know attendance has been down a little, but with OSU winning this year I think you’ll see a spike in attendance this year moving forward.”

Attendance often is the No. 1 factor when host cities are selected to host a sporting event. More tickets sold translate into more revenue for the Big 12.

Oklahoma City’s attendance has slipped in recent years. Factors range from the Sooners and Cowboys going through down cycles to the Thunder grabbing the spotlight during NBA playoff runs.

Based on huge crowds that have attended Bedlam baseball at ONEOK Field in recent years, Tulsa is expected to surpass Oklahoma City in the number of fans attending games.

The downtown layout, packed with hotels, restaurants and entertainment options, has been a key factor in the All Sports Association landing major sporting events like the 2014 NCAA Wrestling Championships.

“Chickasaw is one of the top three Triple-A ballparks in the country,” Brassfield said. “The stadium has four batting cages, four locker rooms. Plus, everything is within walking distance in Bricktown. It’s the ideal setting for this tournament.”

Jim Daniel, 74, is a Northwest Classen grad who has lived in Oklahoma City his entire life other than four years he earned a degree at Baylor. Having spent 55 years in the banking business, Daniel is familiar with variables that influence how people spend their money.

Every year, Daniel buys six all-session tickets and hosts the entire Baylor baseball team at a dinner the first night the Bears arrive in town. Daniel said most Baylor fans, coaches and players are disappointed the event won’t be at The Brick next season.